David McCoy, public health doctor and Chair of UK health charity Medact welcomed the decision:

"We need a completely and radically different and sustainable pattern of energy production and consumption. Shifting money away from the fossil fuel industry is an important step in that direction.

"In the same way that ethical investors choose not to profit from tobacco and arm sales, the health community worldwide is correctly calling for divestment from another set of harmful activities."

The health community stands for climate action

The vote highlighted strong support from members of the BMA - the representative body of doctors in the UK - to "transfer their investment from energy companies whose primary business relies upon fossil fuels to those providing renewable energy sources".

It also comes on the back of increasing support for fossil fuel divestment within the wider UK health community.

"Climate change has profound implications for human health, as does the air pollution produced by fossil fuels. By adding the voice of health professionals, this decision will add considerable momentum to the international movement for divestment from fossil fuels."

Campaigners hope that today's vote will put the BMA in a strong position to advocate for other organisations, including other national medical and nursing organisations, to do likewise and end their support for the very companies driving "the greatest global health threat of the 21st century".

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